Woreda Cluster Forestry Team Leader

About the Organization

VITA/RTI Ethiopia is an international NGO working on forestry and natural resource management in the Gofa Zone of Southern Ethiopia.

Job Summary

VITA/RTI Ethiopia is seeking four Woreda Cluster Forestry Team Leaders to coordinate forestry activities in the Gofa Zone. The role involves data collection, nursery management, community mobilization, and reporting. The position reports technically to the Vita Gamo and Gofa Zone Forest Program Coordinator and administratively to the VGIF Gofa Zone Coordination Head.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze data on land use patterns, forest coverage, agro-ecological conditions, and socio-economic factors from relevant sectors at the woreda and kebele levels.
• Identify and document communal and private lands suitable for forestry interventions.
• Assess the status of government and private nurseries and prepare plans for the necessary materials and inputs for seedling production.
• Gather data on tree species grown in the intervention Kebeles, compile a list of preferred tree species considering community preferences, and submit it to the Senior Forestry Officer.
• Develop and follow a day-to-day implementation schedule for forestry activities.
• Coordinate with woreda and kebele technical teams and administrative bodies to execute, monitor, and report on forestry activities.
• Work with the CLTS team to align forestry initiatives with CLTS-triggering events.
• Develop backup plans for community mobilization in Kebeles where triggering has occurred.
• Identify gaps in nursery equipment, seeds, and labor demand based on the agro-ecology of the intervention Kebeles.
• Train nursery workers and agricultural experts at the woreda and kebele levels on technical and management aspects of seedling production and plantation.
• Facilitate agreements and recruitment of nursery workers, ensuring efficient seedling production and management.
• Provide technical guidance to kebele agricultural experts and nursery workers to ensure high-quality seedling production.
• Facilitate performance-based payments for nursery workers as per agreements.
• Raise awareness among the forest community and private planters regarding communal trees and promote the project and its implementation partners.
• Mobilize the community and private farmers for the timely preparation of compost and planting pits to enhance seedling survival.
• Organize and lead campaigns for tree planting in each intervention Kebele, ensuring adherence to the plantation schedule.
• Educate and train the community on forest management committees, including their roles in overseeing communal plantations and their ongoing management.
• Demarcate communal and private plantation areas, recording GPS coordinates in collaboration with Kebele officials and woreda agricultural experts.
• Prepare plantation maps using GPS coordinates, Google Earth satellite imagery, and related technologies for forest monitoring and evaluation.
• Provide necessary reports and data as required for MRV and data management systems.
• Collect, compile, and document data from nursery activities, including beneficiary lists for seedlings and trees planted.
• Gather and document information in various formats, including multimedia.
• Monitor and measure the development of planted trees (height, girth, canopy) and submit findings to the Vita Gamo and Gofa Zone Forest Program Coordinator and VGIF Gofa Zone Coordination Head.
• Participate in periodic performance evaluations and prepare the required documentation.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports in the required format and submit them to the Vita Gamo and Gofa Zone Forest Program Coordinator and VGIF Gofa Zone Coordination Head within the specified timeframe.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Vita Gamo and Gofa Zone Forest Program Coordinator, VGIF Gofa Zone Coordination Head, and respective project officials.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry/General Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in forest development and management, nursery establishment for quality seedling production, and related tasks.
• Proven field experience in rural areas of the Gofa Zone.
• Experience working with international NGOs is an advantage.
• Direct work experience with government institutions is an advantage.
• Fluent in English, Amharic, and Gofigna languages.
• Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and photo-sharing tools.
• Motorbike License is Mandatory.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Development-oriented
• Proven experience in working with CSOs, networks, or local initiatives and communities

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their ONLY CV and cover letter (in English) to: Vita.Ethiopia@vita.ie or P.O. Box 144, Arbaminch in person at Vita Arbaminch Coordination Office, Arbaminch Town, Gamo Zone, Sub-city Shecha, Kebele Genta Ber.

Please indicate “Woreda Cluster Forestry Team Leader” in the subject line or on the envelope.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Period: October 2 – 10, 2026.